The idea of setting aside part of the cost of public buildings for "decoration" took form in the 1930s. Discusses the current policy of commissioning decorative works as a way of building an artistic heritage for the future. (Author/RK)

Argues against John's suggestion that state equalization aid to local school districts should be based on measures of per-capita income and assessed property valuation per capita, rather than on measures of local tax revenue and assessed property valuation per pupil. (JG)

These two notes offer a couple of refinements to existing equalization plans--one deals with cost indexes, the other with fiscal incentive for dollar equalization. (Author/IRT)

Results of a nationwide study of public mental retardation/developmental disabilities spending in the states during Fiscal Years 1977 through 1986 were analyzed and identified trends such as continuing growth in spending for community services, contraction of total spending for institutional operations, and predominance of support for intermediate…

Between 1982-83 and 1986-87 states boosted aid for public elementary and secondary schools by 41 percent. Variation among the states is due to enrollment changes, fiscal conditions, and priorities. A chart shows percents of revenue increases (state, local, and federal) and enrollment changes by state. (MLF)

Fund raising for private colleges has been successful in New Jersey because it no longer focuses on unrestricted corporate gifts as many do but seeks support from a broader variety of sources. State aid gained in this way is a radical and possibly life-saving innovation. (MSE)

Recounts how careful planning and coordination, hard work, and a bit of theatrics helped secure line item funding in the Vermont state budget for parent child centers. (Author/BB)

Levels of and 2-year changes in state appropriations for higher education are presented for each state and its major institutions, junior colleges as a whole, student aid, and other related appropriations, and the states are ranked, with 2- and 10-year changes and adjustments for inflation indicated. (MSE)

Recent state appropriations for higher education in Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont are tabulated. Governors in all those states signed spending bills for higher education. (MLW)

Describes results of the Enterprise Zone Act, which encourages businesses and industries to locate or remain in depressed areas "by means of relaxed government controls and tax incentives in these areas." Also discusses uses of 8 percent set-aside funds from the Job Training Partnership Act. (CT)

Reviews U.S. Supreme Court action concerning governmental aid to sectarian schools, highlighting the First Amendment establishment clause, the child benefit doctrine, the Tripartite Test (1970-1984), and the recent Ball and Felton cases. The court is continuously pressured to reassess its precedents requiring strict neutrality toward religion.…

Explains how the Texas legislature, ignoring a special committee recommendation to eliminate vocational education, retained categorical funding, but changed funding formulas and made other reforms that will result in fewer vocational programs overall. (SK)

This paper reports the results of a state equity analysis in North Carolina based on conditions in 1975-76 and 1982-83. Since the state funding mechanism in North Carolina does not adjust for variation in local fiscal capacity, the focus of the analysis is on fiscal equity in local funding provisions. (TE)

Blasts the supreme court of Washington State for its inappropriate treatment of Larry Witters, a legally blind student denied state vocational rehabilitation funds because his intended Bible studies program supposedly violated the First Amendment's establishment clause. Even a United States Supreme Court reversal failed to end Witter's…

Considers the community services divisions of Michigan's community colleges vital elements in economic recovery. Highlights Schoolcraft College's efforts to attract new businesses and assist existing companies through training and retraining programs. Discusses state support for economic development projects and the participation of community…